Is
Your Child or Adult Child With Special Needs Eligible for Social Security
Income - SSI?

What types of disabilities are eligible for SSI?

It is important to note that disability for the purposes of SSI is not
about health and diagnoses. It is to a large extent about degree of functional
limitation. For a child, Social Security will decide whether the physical
or mental condition results in long term functional limitations. For an
adult 18 years and older, these limitations become focused on ability
to work and earn an income.

Is my minor child eligible for SSI?

To meet Social Security's definition of disability for children, the
child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that "very seriously
limits his or her activities." Their disability must last at least
1 year (or result in death). Social Security takes into account aspects
such as any serious limitations the disability creates in your child's
daily activities and need for extra help such as special education or
medical equipment. Your state agency will determine if your child has
an eligible disability based on information you and others (school, doctors,
etc.) submit.

Assuming that they are disabled for the purpose of Social Security, your
income may be the determining factor. A portion of your income and the
value of some big things you own is counted toward the required limits.
A decision will ultimately be made as to whether your income is low enough
to have your child receive benefits. There are lots of factors offsetting
income and some big things, like your house, may not count. Other things,
like your pleasure boat or expensive jewelry, may count as an asset toward
qualifying.

Is my adult child eligible for SSI?

Once again, the first question is about disability. A condition that
is disabling for a child may not be for an adult, according to the Social
Security definition. The focus is on being able to earn money from gainful
employment. If Social Security believes they can work -- even what we
might consider an unattractive or menial job -- then they may decide your
adult child is not disabled.

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability
to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if: You
cannot do work that you did before; we decide that you cannot adjust to
other work because of your medical condition(s); and your disability has
lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

The income and asset assessments are next. If your adult child is 18
years old or older, their own income and assets are what count. The income
limits for an adult are very low and so are the limits on what they own.
Again, some things they may own, like a house or a car (even if they can't
drive) may be excluded from the income/asset tests. But other things,
like a savings account or mutual funds portfolio set up in their name
will count. Again, the amounts they may earn and keep are generally very
low. There are certain exceptions when going to school or learning a trade
which raise the amount the working student with special needs is eligible
to earn.

Rick Smith: Recently, my adult child
was notified by Social Security of his eligibility for benefits based
on his multiple disabilities. Before applying to Social Security, we found
much detailed information but few summaries about the process in plain
language. I write this synopsis as a Dad who navigated the process rather
than with the legal authority of a lawyer or bureaucrat. If you wish more
detail or want additional verification, please consult a professional.
Or you may wish to check into these recent books
on Social Security